Chapter 22 : Shadow Thief

*Calix*

The room buzzed with activity once I left the kitchen. One of the cooks had come to me, concerned about the quality of one of the meats. After assuring her the meat was fine, I went back into the Great Hall, expecting to see Lynn waiting for me where I had left her.

I frowned when she wasn’t there, then swiveled my head around the room. I spotted Dex by one of the tables and waved him over. He walked briskly, his head down to avoid the constant glare of the newcomers.

“What is it, brother?” he asked. His speech was slurred, a sure sign of drinking.

“Have you seen Lynn?”

He shook his head. “No, and even if I had, I do not advise you to spend any more time with her. It’s not right.”

“Dex,” I said to him. “You don’t know anything about her, and I have had enough of your complaining. I am the Alpha, and I will be respected. I have chosen her as my mate, and I am going to declare it to this host. Now, if you would, move.”